In days gone by, a sunroof or moonroof used to reduce the available headroom due to the extra thickness of the nechanism in the headlining.

I see no mention anywhere of different headroom figures with and without the moonroof. Perhaps the mechanisms are sufficiently thin that they make no discernable difference these days. Does anyone know for sure?

 

I doubt it.. Unless the "standard" roof without the moonroof is made the same thickness as the one with the moonroof, there should be a reduction in headroom.

 

Motor Trend did a comparo with the mazda 6 in it. The sun roof in the 6 only reduced headroom about an inch. I think the RX8 will have a similar setup.

 

An inch could make all the difference. I plan on putting this puppy on the track, and headroom becomes even more of a premium when wearing a helmet. I suspect it will be ok, but I'll certainly be checking the clearance when I sit in one at the Houston Auto Show.

 

I dunno... FDs with sunroofs had about 2" less headroom due to the extra reinforcements in the roof. But I think that the RX-8 has a good deal more headroom to begin with, have the told us how much headroom there is yet?

 

there is no extra reinforcing in the roof period. the stucture is around the roof, in the doors and underneath

 

Gonna take your helmet with you? :D I can see it now... helmeted man of mystery walks up to RX-8, climbs in and gets comfortable. Heheh.

 

Hahaha.. good point.. almost makes me want to take my helmet to the Detroit show.. :D I'm 6' tall and barely fit in my Prelude with a helmet. Curious how high the seat is.. apparently it's a little higher to allow foot room for the rear passengers? This could make all the difference.

 

1.6" less with sunroof

 

I had considered taking my helmet bag along, but I think I'll just gauge how much clearance I have unhelmeted. As long as it's at least a couple of inches, it should be ok.

 

That much? Wow, glad I've opted for the tin roof.